Council takes step toward annexation of "Sliver by the River," "Duwamish Triangle"Resolution expresses intent to petition for a vote of the residents

SEATTLE - City Council approved a resolution this afternoon, with the Mayor concurring, to allow the residents in unincorporated area along the Duwamish Waterway to vote to join the City of Seattle. The City's proposal will now go before the Boundary Review Board for King County, which must consider whether to advance it to the approximately 103 registered voters in this area, commonly referred to as the South Park Sliver by the River and the Duwamish Industrial Triangle.

"When you look at the map and the cultural boundaries of the South Park neighborhood, it just makes sense to give these residents a chance to be a part of the City of Seattle and to receive City services," said Council President Tim Burgess. "A 'yes' vote would solve a longstanding anomaly in our City limits."

"I believe it makes sense for this area to join the City," said Mayor Ed Murray. "I also believe it makes sense to give these residents the chance to decide the issue."

The State Growth Management Act and County planning policies both encourage the transition of unincorporated urbanized areas to cities. According to an analysis by the City Budget Office, revenues from the area are expected to be sufficient to fund the area's annual service needs. The City will continue discussions with King County officials and local service providers regarding the future of the adjacent unincorporated North Highline neighborhood.

"South Park is a cohesive neighborhood that has long had an artificial barrier between its incorporated and unincorporated parts," said Dagmar Cronn, President of the South Park Neighborhood Association. "We are so grateful to the City Councilmembers and the Mayor for setting this annexation process in motion. Soon, all of us will receive the same fast police, fire and medical help when it is needed."

The last annexation by the City of Seattle occurred in 1986, when City limits expanded to include a nearby area known as Central Heights along Myers Way South.